Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist-Physical Properties

Buffalo, NYFull-time$145k–$185kPosted Jul 21, 2026

As a Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist here at Solstice Advanced Materials, you will be a key member of our physical property research team for the Refrigerants and Applied Solutions (RAS) division at its laboratory based in Buffalo, NY. You will use your expertise in thermodynamics and transport phenomena to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers and colleagues. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers to identify and develop sustainable products to the current and emerging material needs in the areas of data center and electronic cooling, air conditioning, refrigeration and heating, medical propellants, foam blowing agents, solvents and aerosols. Join a team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to providing their expertise and ensuring the success of these projects and programs.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert for developing and deploying property models, preparing and defending intellectual property, and mentoring.
Develop, implement, run, and maintain efficient property testing methodologies required for validation of new applications, design of new products/processes, and plant/customer/regulatory support.
Identify, coordinate, and work with external research, academic and new venture partners to prioritize and accelerate learning of application and material performance requirements.
Translate voice of the customer and customer unmet needs to material performance requirements, prioritize and timely drive on-the-critical-path validations.
Work with internal and external customers to meet needs in a fast-paced environment.
Work on multiple projects across multiple areas simultaneously.
Follow all related safety and environmental rules and regulations.

You Must Have

Master’s, or PhD degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science.
8+ years of hands-on experience in physical properties research, advanced materials or specialty chemicals industrial research, or new product development.

We Value

Research background with an emphasis in Thermodynamics or Transport Phenomena of vapors, liquids, and supercritical fluids for pure components and mixtures is preferred.
Technical expertise with industry recognized property models (e.g. Helmholtz Energy Equation of State, PC-SAFT, eNRTL) and associated tools (e.g. Aspen, UniSim, REFPROP, DIPPR).
Experience in experimentation, modeling/data regression, theoretical concepts, and property application.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, calibrate, and validate physical property test methods.
Experience with a coding framework (e.g. Python, LabView, MATLAB, EES). demonstrated to reduce research cycle times on experimentation and data analysis.
Cross-functional understanding of properties relevant to products, processes, and customers.
External orientation and desire to accurately understand technology trends, customer unmet needs, and working with external partners.
Exposure to Six-Sigma tools and concepts.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - written and verbal.
Experience in a fast-paced environment.
Technical curiosity and passion for R&D.
Desire and abilities to identify, develop, and improve new technical concepts and products.
Reliable and trustworthy with the highest ethical standards and integrity.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR SOLSTICE ADVANCED MATERIALS

In addition to a competitive salary, leading-edge work, and developing solutions side-by-side with dedicated experts in their fields, Solstice Advanced Materials employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes employer-subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 12 Paid Holidays.

The annual base salary range for this position is $145,000-$185,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Solstice considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations. This position is incentive plan eligible.